Dwayne Ellis

Dwayne Ellis, 83, of Ottawa, passed away on Monday, April 24, 2023, with family by his side.

A “Celebration of Life” will be held on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at Ottawa Funeral Home. Gathering starts at 9:00 am; military honors, followed by a prayer service, will begin at 10:00 am with Pastor Sherry Stevenson. A luncheon will be held from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm at the Lion’s Club in Ottawa.

Dwayne was born on July 13, 1939, in Ottumwa, IA, to Carl and Elvira Ellis. He left school early to join the United States Navy the summer of his 17th birthday. Dwayne proudly served his country from July 1956 to July 1960 as an Electrician’s Mate. He achieved the rank of Petty Officer Second Class.

After returning home to Ottumwa, Dwayne learned of a job in Ottawa where he could put his Navy skills to work. After jumping at the opportunity, Dwayne moved to Ottawa and spent nearly 40 years working as an installer for AT&T. After his retirement in 2001, he worked for Wallace grade school part-time, assisting the custodial department.

Dwayne was an avid motorcyclist, boater, and shade tree mechanic. He enjoyed weekly breakfast at the Bright Spot with Bob’s Wild Hogs, drives around town in his little red truck, “Old Red,” and sitting in Allen Park sharing a Jimmy John’s sandwich with the love of his life and wife of 32 years, Marcia.

Dwayne’s outgoing personality and jack-of-all-trades knowledge often found him helping his many friends and family with their projects. He enjoyed taking on countless challenging projects such as restoring vehicles, building a stone fireplace, building a beautiful arched wooden walking bridge, and building his dream home, where he personally put in every inch of electrical wiring to ensure he was never left without an outlet.

Dwayne left his mark on this world and touched many lives. His legacy will continue with all the finished projects, great stories, and beautiful memories held by the many people he has left behind.

Dwayne is survived by his wife, Marcia Ellis; children, Derek (Susan) Ellis, Tracy (Steve) Brewer, Lonna (David) Gerkitz, and Josiah (Elizabeth) Hortega; grandchildren, Brittney, Skylar, Michael (Morgan), Daniel, Michaela, Miranda, Dustin, Patrick, Izabella, Anastasia, Evangelina, and Josiah Jr.; great-grandchild, Rylen; and siblings, Sharon, Marilyn, Julie, and Darrell.

Dwayne was preceded in death by his parents; and his siblings, George, Bob, Kenny, Mary Ann, and Dixie.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Dwayne’s name to: Tunnel to Towers Foundation to continue his legacy of helping others.
 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dwayne Ellis, please visit our floral store.